Syntheses and structure of dinuclear metal complexes containing naphthyl-Ir bichromophore

A series of novel metal complexes were synthesized containing an Ir-cyclometalated bichromophore as a visible-light sensitizer. A new bichromophoric unit containing a naphthyl substituent and methyl substituents on the 2-phenylpyridine chelating ligand was synthesized and characterized for the first time. According to the increased crystallinity of the bichromophoric unit, novel Ir-M metal complexes (M = Pd, Mn, and Ir) were synthesized and fully characterized. The novel Ir-Pd complex maintained photocatalytic activity toward styrenes under visible-light irradiation, and polymerization with p-chlorostyrene, copolymerization with styrene and p-chlorostyrene furnished corresponding polymers.

Mechanism of self/nonself-discrimination in Brassica self-incompatibility

Self-incompatibility (SI) is a breeding system that promotes cross-fertilization. In Brassica, pollen rejection is induced by a haplotype-specific interaction between pistil determinant SRK (S receptor kinase) and pollen determinant SP11 (S-locus Protein 11, also named SCR) from the S-locus. Although the structure of the B. rapa S₉-SRK ectodomain (eSRK) and S₉-SP11 complex has been determined, it remains unclear how SRK discriminates self- and nonself-SP11. Here, we uncover the detailed mechanism of self/nonself-discrimination in Brassica SI by determining the S₈-eSRK-S₈-SP11 crystal structure and performing molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Comprehensive binding analysis of eSRK and SP11 structures reveals that the binding free energies are most stable for cognate eSRK-SP11 combinations. Residue-based contribution analysis suggests that the modes of eSRK-SP11 interactions differ between intra- and inter-subgroup (a group of phylogenetically neighboring haplotypes) combinations. Our data establish a model of self/nonself-discrimination in Brassica SI.

Domain selective labeling for NMR studies of multidomain proteins by domain ligation using highly active sortase A

Structural study of multidomain proteins using NMR is an emerging issue for understanding biological functions. To this end, domain-specific labeling is expected to be a key technology for facilitating the NMR-assignment process and for collecting distance information via spin labeling. To obtain domain-specific labeled samples, use of sortase A as a protein ligation tool is a viable approach. Sortase A enables ligation of separately expressed proteins (domains) through the Leu-Pro-X-Thr-Gly linker. However, the ligation reaction mediated by sortase A is not efficient. Poor yield and long reaction times hamper large-scale preparation using sortase A. Here we report the application of highly active sortases to NMR analyses. Optimal yields can be achieved within several hours when the ligation reaction are mediated by highly active sortases at 4 °C. We propose that this protocol can contribute to structural analyses of multidomain proteins by NMR.

Structural insights into ubiquitin phosphorylation by PINK1

Mutations of PTEN-induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1) and the E3 ubiquitin (Ub) ligase parkin can cause familial parkinsonism. These two proteins are essential for ubiquitylation of damaged mitochondria and subsequent degradation. PINK1 phosphorylates Ser65 of Ub and the Ub-like (UBL) domain of parkin to allosterically relieve the autoinhibition of parkin. To understand the structural mechanism of the Ub/UBL-specific phosphorylation by PINK1, we determined the crystal structure of Tribolium castaneum PINK1 kinase domain (TcPINK1) in complex with a nonhydrolyzable ATP analogue at 2.5 Å resolution. TcPINK1 consists of the N- and C-terminal lobes with the PINK1-specific extension. The ATP analogue is bound in the cleft between the N- and C-terminal lobes. The adenine ring of the ATP analogue is bound to a hydrophobic pocket, whereas the triphosphate group of the ATP analogue and two coordinated Mg ions interact with the catalytic hydrophilic residues. Comparison with protein kinases A and C (PKA and PKC, respectively) unveils a putative Ub/UBL-binding groove, which is wider than the peptide-binding groove of PKA or PKC to accommodate the globular head of Ub or UBL. Further crosslinking analyses suggested a PINK1-interacting surface of Ub. Structure-guided mutational analyses support the findings from the present structural analysis of PINK1.

Independent Factors Contributing to Daytime and Nighttime Asthmatic Cough Refractory to Inhaled Corticosteroids

BACKGROUND

Cough is a common feature of asthma, which is often resistant to inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs). The pathophysiology of this refractoriness may differ between daytime and nighttime asthmatic cough. We sought to identify factors contributing to ICS-refractory daytime and nighttime asthmatic cough.

METHODS

Sixty-seven patients with asthma presenting solely or predominantly with chronic cough were prospectively enrolled from April 2012 to December 2014. At baseline and 12 weeks after ICS treatment, the capsaicin cough threshold (C2, C5) and methacholine airway sensitivity and reactivity were examined. A visual analog scale (VAS) and numeric scores were used to evaluate daytime and nighttime cough symptoms separately. The Japanese version of the Leicester Cough Questionnaire was also completed. When either the VAS or numeric scores showed an improvement of ≥50% or ≥2 points, patients were considered responders to ICS treatment.

RESULTS

Fifty-five patients were eligible for evaluation. Subjective cough indices improved significantly at 12 weeks after ICS treatment (P<.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that lower C2 significantly contributed to residual daytime cough (P=.04). Meanwhile, methacholine hyperreactivity and lower IgE levels were predictors of the nighttime residual cough (P=.002 and P=.03, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Heightened cough reflex sensitivity is an independent factor of daytime asthmatic cough that is refractory to ICSs. In contrast, airway hyperreactivity and less atopic status contribute to ICS-refractory nighttime cough.

Parkinson's disease-related DJ-1 functions in thiol quality control against aldehyde attack in vitro

DJ-1 (also known as PARK7) has been identified as a causal gene for hereditary recessive Parkinson’s disease (PD). Consequently, the full elucidation of DJ-1 function will help decipher the molecular mechanisms underlying PD pathogenesis. However, because various, and sometimes inconsistent, roles for DJ-1 have been reported, the molecular function of DJ-1 remains controversial. Recently, a number of papers have suggested that DJ-1 family proteins are involved in aldehyde detoxification. We found that DJ-1 indeed converts methylglyoxal (pyruvaldehyde)-adducted glutathione (GSH) to intact GSH and lactate. Based on evidence that DJ-1 functions in mitochondrial homeostasis, we focused on the possibility that DJ-1 protects co-enzyme A (CoA) and its precursor in the CoA synthetic pathway from aldehyde attack. Here, we show that intact CoA and β-alanine, an intermediate in CoA synthesis, are recovered from methylglyoxal-adducts by recombinant DJ-1 purified from E. coli. In this process, methylglyoxal is converted to L-lactate rather than the D-lactate produced by a conventional glyoxalase. PD-related pathogenic mutations of DJ-1 (L10P, M26I, A104T, D149A, and L166P) impair or abolish detoxification activity, suggesting a pathological significance. We infer that a key to understanding the biological function of DJ-1 resides in its methylglyoxal-adduct hydrolase activity, which protects low-molecular thiols, including CoA, from aldehydes.

Chemical shift assignments of the first and second RRMs of Nrd1, a fission yeast MAPK-target RNA binding protein

Negative regulator differentiation 1 (Nrd1), a fission yeast RNA binding protein, modulates cytokinesis and sexual development and contributes to stress granule formation in response to environmental stresses. Nrd1 comprises four RRM domains and binds and stabilizes Cdc4 mRNA that encodes the myosin II light chain. Nrd1 binds the Cpc2 fission-yeast RACK1 homolog, and the interaction promotes Nrd1 localization to stress granules. Interestingly, Pmk1 mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphorylates Thr40 in the unstructured N-terminal region and Thr126 in the first RRM domain of Nrd1. Phosphorylation significantly reduces RNA-binding activity and likely modulates Nrd1 function. To reveal the relationship between the structure and function of Nrd1 and how phosphorylation affects structure, we used heteronuclear NMR techniques to investigate the three-dimensional structure of Nrd1. Here we report the ¹H, ¹³C, and ¹⁵N resonance assignments of RRM1-RRM2 (residues 108-284) comprising the first and second RRMs obtained using heteronuclear NMR techniques. Secondary structures derived from the chemical shifts are reported. These data should contribute to the understanding of the three-dimensional structure of the RRM1-RRM2 region of Nrd1 and the perturbation caused by phosphorylation.

IL4Rα and ADAM33 as genetic markers in asthma exacerbations and type-2 inflammatory endotype

BACKGROUND

Genetic markers of susceptibility to asthma exacerbations in adults remain unclear.

OBJECTIVE

To identify genetic markers of asthma exacerbations, particularly in patients with type-2 inflammatory endotype.

METHODS

In this observational study of patients enrolled in the Kinki Hokuriku Airway disease Conference multicenter study, frequency of exacerbations requiring systemic corticosteroids during 2 years after enrolment and associated risk factors was determined. For genetic marker analysis, interleukin-4 receptor α (IL4RA) rs8832 and a disintegrin and metalloprotease 33 (ADAM33) S_2 (rs528557), T_1 (rs2280091), T_2 (rs2280090), and V_4 (rs2787094) variants were included. Elevated serum periostin levels at enrolment (≥95 ng/mL, defined as type-2 inflammatory endotype) were considered in the analysis.

RESULTS

Among 217 patients who were successfully followed up for 2 years after enrolment, 60 patients showed at least one asthma exacerbation during the 2 years. Airflow limitation (%FEV₁ <80%) and recent exacerbations but not genetic variants were identified as risk markers of exacerbations. A total of 27 patients showed type-2 inflammatory endotype (serum periostin ≥95 ng/mL at enrolment) and subsequent exacerbations; risk factors in these patients were airflow limitation (odds ratio, 6.51; 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.37-18.6; P=.0003), GG genotype of IL4RA rs8832 (odds ratio, 4.01; 95% CI: 1.47-11.0; P=.007), and A allele of ADAM33 T_2 (odds ratio, 2.81; 95% CI: 1.05-7.67; P=.04) by multivariate analysis. In addition, GG genotype of IL4RA rs8832 was associated with type-2 endotype, whereas A allele of ADAM33 T_2 was associated with mixed type of eosinophilic/type-2 and neutrophilic inflammations.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

IL4RA and ADAM33 variants may be risk markers of asthma exacerbations in type-2 inflammatory endotype. Precise endotyping may facilitate the identification of genetic risk markers of asthma exacerbations.

Improved in-cell structure determination of proteins at near-physiological concentration

Investigating three-dimensional (3D) structures of proteins in living cells by in-cell nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy opens an avenue towards understanding the structural basis of their functions and physical properties under physiological conditions inside cells. In-cell NMR provides data at atomic resolution non-invasively, and has been used to detect protein-protein interactions, thermodynamics of protein stability, the behavior of intrinsically disordered proteins, etc. in cells. However, so far only a single de novo 3D protein structure could be determined based on data derived only from in-cell NMR. Here we introduce methods that enable in-cell NMR protein structure determination for a larger number of proteins at concentrations that approach physiological ones. The new methods comprise (1) advances in the processing of non-uniformly sampled NMR data, which reduces the measurement time for the intrinsically short-lived in-cell NMR samples, (2) automatic chemical shift assignment for obtaining an optimal resonance assignment, and (3) structure refinement with Bayesian inference, which makes it possible to calculate accurate 3D protein structures from sparse data sets of conformational restraints. As an example application we determined the structure of the B1 domain of protein G at about 250 μM concentration in living E. coli cells.

A new carbamidemethyl-linked lanthanoid chelating tag for PCS NMR spectroscopy of proteins in living HeLa cells

Structural analyses of proteins under macromolecular crowding inside human cultured cells by in-cell NMR spectroscopy are crucial not only for explicit understanding of their cellular functions but also for applications in medical and pharmaceutical sciences. In-cell NMR experiments using human cultured cells however suffer from low sensitivity, thus pseudocontact shifts from protein-tagged paramagnetic lanthanoid ions, analysed using sensitive heteronuclear two-dimensional correlation NMR spectra, offer huge potential advantage in obtaining structural information over conventional NOE-based approaches. We synthesised a new lanthanoid-chelating tag (M8-CAM-I), in which the eight-fold, stereospecifically methylated DOTA (M8) scaffold was retained, while a stable carbamidemethyl (CAM) group was introduced as the functional group connecting to proteins. M8-CAM-I successfully fulfilled the requirements for in-cell NMR: high-affinity to lanthanoid, low cytotoxicity and the stability under reducing condition inside cells. Large PCSs for backbone N-H resonances observed for M8-CAM-tagged human ubiquitin mutant proteins, which were introduced into HeLa cells by electroporation, demonstrated that this approach readily provides the useful information enabling the determination of protein structures, relative orientations of domains and protein complexes within human cultured cells.

Utility of serum periostin and free IgE levels in evaluating responsiveness to omalizumab in patients with severe asthma

BACKGROUND

Omalizumab, a humanized anti-IgE monoclonal antibody, has demonstrated efficacy in patients with severe allergic asthma. However, treatment responses vary widely among individuals. Despite a lack of data, free serum IgE levels following omalizumab treatment have been proposed as a marker of treatment responsiveness.

METHODS

In this prospective, observational study, we assessed the utility of biomarkers of type 2 inflammation in predicting omalizumab treatment responses, as determined by the absence of asthma exacerbation during the first year of treatment. Free serum IgE levels were monitored for 2 years to examine their association with baseline biomarker levels and the number of exacerbations.

RESULTS

We enrolled thirty patients who had been treated with omalizumab for at least 1 year, of whom 27 were treated for 2 years. Baseline serum periostin levels and blood eosinophil counts were significantly higher in patients without exacerbations during the first year of treatment than in patients with exacerbations. Baseline serum periostin levels, but not eosinophil counts, were negatively associated with free serum IgE levels after 16 or 32 weeks of treatment. Reduced free serum IgE levels during treatment from those at baseline were associated with reduced exacerbation numbers at 2 years. In 14 patients who continued to have exacerbations during the first year of treatment, exacerbation numbers gradually and significantly decreased over the 2-year study period, with concurrent significant reductions in free serum IgE levels.

CONCLUSION

Baseline serum periostin levels and serum free IgE levels during treatment follow-up may be useful in evaluating responses to omalizumab treatment.

Mouth breathing, another risk factor for asthma: the Nagahama Study

BACKGROUND

Allergic rhinitis, a known risk factor for asthma onset, often accompanies mouth breathing. Mouth breathing may bypass the protective function of the nose and is anecdotally considered to increase asthma morbidity. However, there is no epidemiological evidence that mouth breathing is independently associated with asthma morbidity and sensitization to allergens. In this study, we aimed to clarify the association between mouth breathing and asthma morbidity and allergic/eosinophilic inflammation, while considering the effect of allergic rhinitis.

METHODS

This community-based cohort study, the Nagahama Study, contained a self-reporting questionnaire on mouth breathing and medical history, blood tests, and pulmonary function testing. We enrolled 9804 general citizens of Nagahama City in the Shiga Prefecture, Japan.

RESULTS

Mouth breathing was reported by 17% of the population and was independently associated with asthma morbidity. The odds ratio for asthma morbidity was 1.85 (95% CI, 1.27-2.62) and 2.20 (95% CI, 1.72-2.80) in subjects with mouth breathing alone and allergic rhinitis alone, which additively increased to 4.09 (95% CI, 3.01-5.52) when mouth breathing and allergic rhinitis coexisted. Mouth breathing in nonasthmatics was a risk for house dust mite sensitization, higher blood eosinophil counts, and lower pulmonary function after adjusting for allergic rhinitis.

CONCLUSION

Mouth breathing may increase asthma morbidity, potentially through increased sensitization to inhaled allergens, which highlights the risk of mouth-bypass breathing in the 'one airway, one disease' concept. The risk of mouth breathing should be well recognized in subjects with allergic rhinitis and in the general population.

Abstract P5-08-16: Local immunologic environment related with tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) and PD-1/PD-L1 expression in early stage breast cancer

Purpose:

Recent studies have shown that local immune environment revealed with programmed death 1(PD-1)/programmed death ligand 1(PD-L1) and tumor infiltrating lymphocytes(TIL) affects the tumor-growth and prognosis. In this study, we evaluated the tumor local immune environments using immunohistological staining for analysis of PD-1/PD-L1 expression and TIL of tumor local in operable early-stage breast cancer.

Method:

A total of 100 surgical specimens of stageI-III invasive breast carcinoma paraffinembedded between 1995 and 2005 were analyzed. Immunohistological staining for PD-1, PD-L1, PTEN, CD3, CD8, and CD163 were performed by the conventional PAP method. In addition, intratumoral and intrastromal TILs and macrophages were simultaneously stained by anti-CD3, CD8, CD163 antibodies and measured by 'Win ROOF' computer software (version 5.7, Mitani Corporation, Japan).

Results:

Intratumoral PD-1 expressed significantly higher in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) compared to other subtype BC (p=0.0094), intratumoral and intrastromal CD3+ lymphocytes and CD163+ macrophages were also significantly higher in TNBC, respectively (CD3: p=0.0002; 0.0139 and CD163: p=0.0043; 0.0270). PTEN loss was also more frequently observed in TNBC (p=0.0475). In addition, after a median 5-year follow-up, patients of luminal A subtype with lower PD-L1 and PTEN expression showed better disease free survival (DFS) with a significant difference (p=0.0148, p=0.0475).

Conclusion:

Local expression of PD-1/PD-L1 antigens on tumor cells, CD3+ lymphocytes, CD163+ macrophages infiltration singnificantly increased in early-stage TNBC. PTEN expression on tumor local might be associated with DFS in patients with early-stage BC.

Citation Format: Okabe M, Toh U, Iwakuma N, Mishima M, Kawahara A, Kage M, Itoh K, Akagi Y. Local immunologic environment related with tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) and PD-1/PD-L1 expression in early stage breast cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Eighth Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2015 Dec 8-12; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-08-16.

Abstract P2-11-04: Serum IgG response against prostate-related antigen revealed by personalized peptide vaccination in patients with metastatic recurrent breast cancer

Purpose: We have indicated that IgG and CTL boosting response could be a potential prognostic factor for overall survival (OS) and progression free survival (PFS) in metastatic recurrent breast cancer (mrBC) patients, who had received personalized selected peptide vaccine (PPV) therapy in our previously reported clinical phase II study. The aim of this study is to identify the prognostic role of serum value of IgG antibody against prostate related-antigen (PRA), including prostate-specific antigen (PSA), prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) and prostate acid phosphatase (PAP) in mrBC patients

Methods: Peripheral blood samples of 77 patients with mrBC were analyzed for serum anti-PRA IgG levels before and after 6th and 12th PPV therapy prospectively. Most of the peptides using for PPV are derived from cancer associated antigens expressing in various types of advanced cancers, but the peptides derived from PRAs were not used in this study.

Results: After PPV therapy, total serum levels of anti-PRA IgG were significantly increased in 31 mrBC patients (Group 1) whereas in remaining 46 rmBC patients (Group 2). Either serum anti-PSA, anti-PAP and/or anti-PMSA IgGs showed a significant increase in patients of Group 1 after 6th (p=0.045) and 12th PPV treatment (p &lt; 0.001), irrespective of their intrinsic subtypes. The median PFS and median OS of Group 1 patients were 8.1 and 14.3 months, while those of Group 2 patients were 5.1 and 10.8 months, respectively. Anti-PRA IgG levels were significantly associated with PFS (p=0.0073; HR: 0.37) and OS (p=0.025; HR: 0.43) between these two groups, whereas no significant relation was found with age, clinical response rate and recurrent metastatic status.

Conclusions: The Group 1 patients with elevated anti-PRA IgG may have better prognosis compared to Group 2 patients who showed no IgG elevation after PPV treatment for rmBC. These results indicated a clinical significance between pre-and post- treatment measurement of serum anti-PRA IgGs in mrBC patients receiving PPV therapy, and may be a useful prognostic marker for monitoring the outcome to PPV treatment of breast cancer.

Citation Format: Toh U, Okabe M, Iwakuma N, Mishima M, Shichijo S, Yamada A, Noguchi M, Itoh K, Akagi Y. Serum IgG response against prostate-related antigen revealed by personalized peptide vaccination in patients with metastatic recurrent breast cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Eighth Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2015 Dec 8-12; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P2-11-04.

Evaluation of the reliability of the maximum entropy method for reconstructing 3D and 4D NOESY-type NMR spectra of proteins

Despite their advantages in analysis, 4D NMR experiments are still infrequently used as a routine tool in protein NMR projects due to the long duration of the measurement and limited digital resolution. Recently, new acquisition techniques for speeding up multidimensional NMR experiments, such as nonlinear sampling, in combination with non-Fourier transform data processing methods have been proposed to be beneficial for 4D NMR experiments. Maximum entropy (MaxEnt) methods have been utilised for reconstructing nonlinearly sampled multi-dimensional NMR data. However, the artefacts arising from MaxEnt processing, particularly, in NOESY spectra have not yet been clearly assessed in comparison with other methods, such as quantitative maximum entropy, multidimensional decomposition, and compressed sensing. We compared MaxEnt with other methods in reconstructing 3D NOESY data acquired with variously reduced sparse sampling schedules and found that MaxEnt is robust, quick and competitive with other methods. Next, nonlinear sampling and MaxEnt processing were applied to 4D NOESY experiments, and the effect of the artefacts of MaxEnt was evaluated by calculating 3D structures from the NOE-derived distance restraints. Our results demonstrated that sufficiently converged and accurate structures (RMSD of 0.91Å to the mean and 1.36Å to the reference structures) were obtained even with NOESY spectra reconstructed from 1.6% randomly selected sampling points for indirect dimensions. This suggests that 3D MaxEnt processing in combination with nonlinear sampling schedules is still a useful and advantageous option for rapid acquisition of high-resolution 4D NOESY spectra of proteins.

GLCCI1 variant accelerates pulmonary function decline in patients with asthma receiving inhaled corticosteroids

BACKGROUND

In steroid-naive patients with asthma, several gene variants are associated with a short-term response to inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) treatment; this has mostly been observed in Caucasians. However, not many studies have been conducted for other ethnicities. Here, we aimed to determine the relationship between the annual decline in forced expiratory flow volume in one second (FEV1 ) and the variant of the glucocorticoid-induced transcript 1 gene (GLCCI1) in Japanese patients with asthma receiving long-term ICS treatment, taking into account the effect of high serum periostin levels, a known association factor of pulmonary function decline and a marker of refractory eosinophilic/Th2 inflammation.

METHODS

In this study, 224 patients with asthma receiving ICS treatment for at least 4 years were enrolled. The effects of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in GLCCI1, stress-induced phosphoprotein 1 (STIP1), and T gene on the decline in FEV1 of 30 ml/year or greater were determined.

RESULTS

Besides the known contributing factors, that is, the most intensive treatment step, ex-smoking, and high serum periostin levels (≥95 ng/ml), the GG genotype of GLCCI1 rs37973, and not other SNPs, was independently associated with a decline in FEV1 of 30 ml/year or greater. When patients were stratified according to their serum periostin levels, the GG genotype of rs37973 was significantly associated with blood eosinophilia (≥250/μl) in the high serum periostin group.

CONCLUSIONS

A GLCCI1 variant is a risk factor of pulmonary function decline in Japanese patients with asthma receiving long-term ICS treatment. Thus, GLCCI1 may be associated with response to ICS across ethnicities.

Smoking attenuates the age-related decrease in IgE levels and maintains eosinophilic inflammation

BACKGROUND

Epidemiological studies have shown that smoking increases the propensity for atopy and asthma. However, the effects of smoking on atopy and eosinophilic inflammation in asthmatics, including the elderly, remain unknown.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effects of smoking on serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels and eosinophilic inflammation in asthmatics of all ages.

METHODS

The associations of serum IgE levels, blood eosinophil counts and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) levels with smoking and age in steroid-naive asthmatics were cross-sectionally assessed (n = 307). Levels of sputum eosinophil and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) that promotes Th2 inflammation were also analysed. Current smokers were excluded when analysing contributing factors of FeNO.

RESULTS

Levels of serum IgE, blood eosinophil and FeNO decreased with increasing age in never-smokers, whereas decrease in serum IgE levels with increasing age was not observed in current smokers. In addition, current smoking was associated with higher blood eosinophil counts. In atopic asthmatics, age-related declines in serum IgE levels were less steep in ex-smokers than in never-smokers, and atopic ex-smokers with asthma showed higher blood eosinophil counts and higher FeNO irrespective of age. Lastly, sputum TSLP levels were associated with sputum eosinophil proportions and pack-years. Current and ex-smokers had higher TSLP levels than never-smokers.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

In steroid-naive asthmatics, smoking may attenuate the age-related decrease in IgE levels and maintain eosinophilic inflammation, in which TSLP may be involved.

Abstract P5-01-05: Personalized peptide vaccines in combination with conventional chemo- or endocrine therapy for metastatic breast cancer: A single-arm phase II study

Background: Immunotherapy using multiple personalized peptide vaccines (PPV) has been reported to be effective for boosting anticancer immunity in patients (pts) with advanced prostate cancer and glioblastoma. The PPVs binding HLA-A2, A24, A3 family and A26 molecules were selected from 31 candidate peptides derived from various tumor associated antigens. Currently, we performed a phase II trial to evaluate the benefit of the PPVs in combination with conventional chemo-or endocrine therapy for pretreated metastatic breast cancer (MBC). Methods: Seventy-one pretreated pts had histologically confirmed measurable MBC and their HLA A molecules matched each of HLA-A2, A24, A26 and A3 family. Pre-vaccination plasma was measured for their IgG levels reactive to each of 31 peptides followed by administration subcutaneously of the four peptides at maximum showing higher levels of IgG in order with schedule of every 1-2 week. The concurrent conventional chemotherapy or endocrine therapy was available for the combination of PPVs. The primary endpoint was anti-tumor immunologic effect and safety, and the secondary endpoints were clinical responses and survival. Levels of IgG reactive to each of the 31 peptides in the pre- and post-treatment plasma at every 6 times of vaccination were measured using LUMNEX system. The CTL responses were simultaneously evaluated using ELISPOT method. Clinical response was evaluated by RECIST criteria. Results: Between May 2009 and December 2012, a total of 71 pts (Luminal-Her2- cases: 39; Her2+cases: 18; Triple negative(TN) cases:14) were enrolled in this study. The median duration of follow-up was 20.7 months. Concurrent chemotherapies (capecitabine, gemcitabine, eribulin, vinorelbine etc.) and endocrine therapies (aromatase inhibitor, toremifen or fulvestrant) were administered to 36 and 24 pts, respectively. Trastuzumab, Laptinib or Bevacizumab was simultaneously used for 13 pts. After 6th vaccination, the IgG reaction and CTL response were identified in 53 of 71 (74.6%) pts and 33 of 63 (52.3%) pts. There were no significant differences between TN cases and the other cases of MBC with regard to immunological humoral and/or cellular responses. No vaccine-related severe adverse events were observed. Clinical response rate of assessable 61 pts was 14.8% (CR 3, PR 6, SD 24, PD 28). The median PFS and OS were 7.6 m and 20.7 m, respectively. In contrast, the PFS and OS of luminal type, Her2 type or TN type were 12, 4.6 or 8.3 m and 24, 15 or 12 m. Conclusions: The phase II PPVs study for MBC demonstrated the promising response and safety, and further studies are essential to identify the clinical benefits of this novel therapy. Clinical trial information: UMIN000001482.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2013;73(24 Suppl): Abstract nr P5-01-05.

Structural insights into the recruitment of SMRT by the corepressor SHARP under phosphorylative regulation

The transcriptional corepressors SMRT/NCoR, components of histone deacetylase complexes, interact with nuclear receptors and many other transcription factors. SMRT is a target for the ubiquitously expressed protein kinase CK2, which is known to phosphorylate a wide variety of substrates. Increasing evidence suggests that CK2 plays a regulatory role in many cellular events, particularly, in transcription. However, little is known about the precise mode of action involved. Here, we report the three-dimensional structure of a SMRT/HDAC1-associated repressor protein (SHARP) in complex with phosphorylated SMRT, as determined by solution NMR. Phosphorylation of the CK2 site on SMRT significantly increased affinity for SHARP. We also confirmed the significance of CK2 phosphorylation by reporter assay and propose a mechanism involving the process of phosphorylation acting as a molecular switch. Finally, we propose that the SPOC domain functions as a phosphorylation binding module.

A prospective study analyzing one-year multidimensional outcomes in living lung transplant donors

The success of living-donor lobar lung transplantation (LDLLT) largely depends on donor outcome; but to date, no authors have studied health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of donors. We prospectively evaluated multidimensional outcomes before and 1 year after donor lobectomies. Patient-reported HRQOL, dyspnea, psychological status and sleep quality, and physiological pulmonary function were determined. All donors were alive without any limitations in their activities of daily living after 1 year. Postoperative pulmonary function was better than the estimated preoperative values; but, with respect to HRQOL, four of the eight subscales of the Medical Outcomes Study 36-item short form (SF-36) deteriorated significantly after donation. In addition, dyspnea assessed by the modified Medical Research Council scale also worsened significantly. In contrast, postoperative anxiety assessed by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale significantly improved from baseline. The donors whose recipients died reported lower SF-36 scores with worsening sleep quality measured by Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Thus, although postoperative pulmonary functions in donors were preserved, their HRQOL and dyspnea deteriorated postoperatively. Moreover, HRQOL and sleep quality were impaired in recipients who experienced poor outcomes. To capture the comprehensive outcomes in LDLLT donors after donation, patient-reported outcomes should be analyzed separately from physiological outcomes.

NMR assignments of SPOC domain of the human transcriptional corepressor SHARP in complex with a C-terminal SMRT peptide

The transcriptional corepressor SMRT/HDAC1-associated repressor protein (SHARP) recruits histone deacetylases. Human SHARP protein is thought to function in processes involving steroid hormone responses and the Notch signaling pathway. SHARP consists of RNA recognition motifs (RRMs) in the N-terminal region and the spen paralog and ortholog C-terminal (SPOC) domain in the C-terminal region. It is known that the SPOC domain binds the LSD motif in the C-terminal tail of corepressors silencing mediator for retinoid and thyroid receptor (SMRT)/nuclear receptor corepressor (NcoR). We are interested in delineating the mechanism by which the SPOC domain recognizes the LSD motif of the C-terminal tail of SMRT/NcoR. To this end, we are investigating the tertiary structure of the SPOC/SMRT peptide using NMR. Herein, we report on the (1)H, (13)C and (15)N resonance assignments of the SPOC domain in complex with a SMRT peptide, which contributes towards a structural understanding of the SPOC/SMRT peptide and its molecular recognition.

Divergent DNA-binding specificities of a group of ETHYLENE RESPONSE FACTOR transcription factors involved in plant defense

Transcription factors (TFs) recognize target DNA sequences with distinct DNA-binding domains (DBDs). The DBD of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) ETHYLENE RESPONSE FACTOR1 (AtERF1) uses three consecutive β-strands to recognize a GCC-containing sequence, but tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) ERF189 and periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus) Octadecanoid-derivative Responsive Catharanthus AP2-domain protein3 (ORCA3) of the same TF subgroup appear to target similar but divergent DNA sequences. Here, we examined how DNA-binding specificities of these TFs have diverged in each plant lineage to regulate distinct defense metabolisms. Extensive mutational analyses of these DBDs suggest that two modes of protein-DNA interactions independently contribute to binding specificity and affinity. Substitution of a conserved arginine to lysine in the first β-strand of ERF189 relaxes its interaction with the second GC pair of the GCC DNA sequence. By contrast, an increased number of basic amino acids in the first two β-strands of ORCA3 allows this TF to recognize more than one GCC-related target, presumably via increased electrostatic interactions with the negatively charged phosphate backbone of DNA. Divergent DNA-binding specificities of the ERFs may have arisen through mutational changes of these amino acid residues.

High-resolution heteronuclear multidimensional NMR of proteins in living insect cells using a baculovirus protein expression system

Recent developments in in-cell NMR techniques have allowed us to study proteins in detail inside living eukaryotic cells. In order to complement the existing protocols, and to extend the range of possible applications, we introduce a novel approach for observing in-cell NMR spectra using the sf9 cell/baculovirus system. High-resolution 2D (1)H-(15)N correlation spectra were observed for four model proteins expressed in sf9 cells. Furthermore, 3D triple-resonance NMR spectra of the Streptococcus protein G B1 domain were observed in sf9 cells by using nonlinear sampling to overcome the short lifetime of the samples and the low abundance of the labeled protein. The data were processed with a quantitative maximum entropy algorithm. These were assigned ab initio, yielding approximately 80% of the expected backbone NMR resonances. Well-resolved NOE cross peaks could be identified in the 3D (15)N-separated NOESY spectrum, suggesting that structural analysis of this size of protein will be feasible in sf9 cells.

A vasodilating β1 blocker celiprolol inhibits muscular release of uric acid precursor in patients with essential hypertension

Although nonvasodilating β1 blockers increase the levels of uric acid in serum, it is not known whether vasodilating β1 blockers have a similar effect. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of celiprolol on the release of hypoxanthine, a uric acid precursor, from muscles after an exercise. We used the semi-ischemic forearm test to examine the release of lactate (ΔLAC), ammonia (ΔAmm), and hypoxanthine (ΔHX) before and 4, 10, and 60 min after an exercise in 18 hypertensive patients as well as 4 normotensive subjects. Before celiprolol treatment, all the levels of ΔHX and ΔAmm, and ΔLAC were increased by semi-ischemic exercise in hypertensive patients, and the increases were remarkably larger than those in normotensive subjects. Celiprolol decreased both systolic and diastolic pressure. It also decreased the levels of ΔHX and ΔAmm without changes in ΔLAC after an exercise. These findings also were confirmed by summation of each metabolite (ΣΔMetabolites). Celiprolol caused a marginal decrease of serum uric acid, but the difference was not statistically significant. On the other hand, nonvasodilating β1 blockers did not suppress the levels of ΔHX and ΔAmm, whereas they significantly increased ΔLAC after an exercise. Celiprolol improved energy metabolism in skeletal muscles. It suppressed HX production and consequently did not adversely affect serum uric acid levels.

Microtubule-binding sites of the CH domain of EB1 and its autoinhibition revealed by NMR

End-binding protein 1 (EB1) is one of the best studied plus-end tracking proteins. It is known that EB1 specifically binds the plus ends of microtubules (MTs) and promotes MT growth. EB1 activity is thought to be autoinhibited by an intramolecular interaction. Recent cryo-EM analyses showed that the CH domain of Mal3p (Schizosaccharomyces pombe EB1 homolog) binds to GMPCPP-MT (Sandblad, L. Cell 127 (2006) 1415-24), and strongly binds GTPγS-MT which is proposed to mimic MT plus ends better than GMPCPP-MT (Maurer S.P. et al. Cell 149 (2012) 371-82). Here, we report on the MT binding sites of the CH domain of EB1 as revealed by NMR using the transferred cross-saturation method. In this study, we used GMPCPP-MT and found that the MT binding sites are very similar to the binding site for GTPγS-MT as suggested by cryo-EM (Maurer S.P. et al. Cell 149 (2012) 371-82). Notably, the N-terminal tip of helix α6 of the CH domain did not make contact with GMPCPP-MT, in contrast to the cryo-EM study which showed that it is closely located to a putative switch region of β-tubulin in GTPγS-MT (Maurer S.P. et al. Cell 149 (2012) 371-82). Further, we found that the intramolecular interaction site of EB1 overlaps the MT binding sites, indicating that the MT binding sites are masked by interaction with the C-terminal domain. We propose a structural view of autoinhibition and its release mechanism through competition binding with binding partners such as adenomatous polyposis coli protein.

¹H, ¹³C and ¹⁵N NMR assignments of the Escherichia coli Orf135 protein

Escherichia coli Orf135 protein is thought to be an enzyme that efficiently hydrolyzes oxidatively damaged nucleotides such as 2-hydroxy-dATP, 8-hydroxy-dGTP and 5-hydroxy-CTP, in addition to 5-methyl-dCTP, dCTP and CTP, thus preventing mutations in cells caused by unfavorable base pairing. Nucleotide pool sanitization by Orf135 is important since organisms are continually subjected to potential damage by reactive oxygen species produced during respiration. It is known that the frequency of spontaneous and H(2)O(2)-induced mutations is two to threefold higher in the orf135(-) strain compared with the wild-type. Orf135 is a member of the Nudix family of proteins which hydrolyze nucleoside diphosphate derivatives. Nudix hydrolases are characterized by the presence of a conserved motif, although they recognize various substrates and possess a variety of substrate binding pockets. We are interested in delineating the mechanism by which Orf135 recognizes oxidatively damaged nucleotides. To this end, we are investigating the tertiary structure of Orf135 and its interaction with substrate using NMR. Herein, we report on the (1)H, (13)C and (15)N resonance assignments of Orf135, which should contribute towards a structural understanding of Orf135 and its interaction with substrate.

Insights into substrate recognition by the Escherichia coli Orf135 protein through its solution structure

Escherichia coli Orf135 hydrolyzes oxidatively damaged nucleotides such as 2-hydroxy-dATP, 8-oxo-dGTP and 5-hydroxy-CTP, in addition to 5-methyl-dCTP, dCTP and CTP. Nucleotide pool sanitization by Orf135 is important since nucleotides are continually subjected to potential damage by reactive oxygen species produced during respiration. Orf135 is a member of the Nudix family of proteins which hydrolyze nucleoside diphosphate derivatives. Nudix hydrolases are characterized by the presence of a conserved motif, even though they recognize various substrates and possess a variety of substrate binding pockets. We investigated the tertiary structure of Orf135 and its interaction with a 2-hydroxy-dATP analog using NMR. We report on the solution structure of Orf135, which should contribute towards a structural understanding of Orf135 and its interaction with substrates.

A CD40 single-nucleotide polymorphism affects the lymphocyte profiles in the bronchoalveolar lavage of Japanese patients with sarcoidosis

CD40 plays a critical role in adaptive immunity, and alveolar macrophages in patients with sarcoidosis express higher levels of CD40. This study investigated the association of rs1883832, a functional single-nucleotide polymorphism in the CD40 gene with susceptibility to sarcoidosis and phenotypes of sarcoidosis. Genotyping of rs1883832 in 175 Japanese patients with sarcoidosis and 150 age- and sex-matched controls revealed no significant difference between the genotypes of the patient and control groups (CC/CT/TT, 32.8/52.0/14.7% in the patients; 37.3/48.0/14.7% in the controls, P = 0.66; allele C, 59.1% in the patients, 61.3% in the controls, P = 0.57). T-cell and CD4+ cell counts in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were significantly higher in the TT genotype group than in the CC and CT genotype group.

Predictors of 5-year mortality in pulmonary Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare complex disease

SETTING

Kyoto, Japan.

OBJECTIVE

To determine predictors of 5-year mortality in pulmonary Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare complex (MAC) disease.

DESIGN

Retrospective study of 164 patients diagnosed with pulmonary MAC disease between 1999 and 2005 and followed for 5 years.

RESULTS

Overall 5-year mortality was 28.0%. Among 117 patients with microbiological outcomes, 54 were treated (treated MAC patients) and 24 were not treated and did not experience sputum culture conversion during follow-up (untreated chronic MAC patients); 39 patients were not treated and experienced sputum culture conversion. Five-year all-cause overall mortality among the 78 patients with definite MAC disease (including treated and untreated chronic MAC patients) was 25.6%. The mortality rate was 33.3% for untreated chronic MAC patients only vs. 22.2% for treated MAC patients (P = 0.30). After adjustment for clinical, microbiological and radiological confounders, independent factors for 5-year mortality were a high Charlson comorbidity index in cases with definite MAC disease (hazard ratio [HR] 1.76) and untreated chronic MAC (HR 3.08), and presence of cavitary lesions in cases with definite MAC disease (HR 1.82) and treated MAC patients (HR 3.91).

CONCLUSION

Patients with cavitary lesions require immediate treatment for sputum culture conversion and to improve their chances of survival.